Foreign nationals, including those from the United States, are permitted to acquire property in Mexico. However, direct ownership within the restricted zone, encompassing areas within 100 kilometers of the border and 50 kilometers of the coastline, requires establishing a trust through a Mexican bank. This trust mechanism grants the beneficiary all ownership rights, including selling, leasing, or passing the property to heirs. Outside the restricted zone, property can be owned directly, similar to real estate transactions in the U.S.
Securing property south of the border provides opportunities for vacation homes, retirement residences, or investment properties. Historically, foreign investment in Mexican real estate has played a significant role in the country’s economic development. The establishment of the trust system has provided a secure framework for non-Mexican citizens to participate in the real estate market while preserving national interests in strategically important areas.
